I’ve had two weeks unpaid leave this year because I used up all my sick leave

What does the issue of sick leave mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

I’ve had two weeks unpaid leave this year because I used up all my sick leave again on sickness. This is effecting my annual leave. I am thinking of leaving my career due to sickness because all this taken was to protect my community and I haven’t even had covid yet.

What will it take to fix sick leave for kindergarten teachers?

Substantially more sick leave. I spoke to my doctor last round of sickness and even they don’t get children so close that they cough in your mouth. It’s a close proximity job where tamariki are still learning about their own well-being let alone others’ well-being.

When we fix sick leave, what impact will that change have on you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

I may not leave the profession I love. Sickness in my job has the biggest impact on me as a Kaiako and then my own whanau.